It’s not every day that an outdoor dining spot pops up in the back cuts of Richmond. But near the Chevron refinery and train yards, tucked between the marina’s port and Highway 580, you’ll find a new gathering place for food, drinks and live music: the Backyard. Hidden in an unassuming lot behind the Whale Point Marine & Hardware store — where day laborers, fishermen and construction workers pull up for specialty work wear and supplies — the Backyard (@richmondbackyard) feels like a quirky oasis surrounded by industrial grit. With lawn games, spacious outdoor seating, a music system that slaps, a large stage, palm trees and splashes of vibrant color that pop in contrast to the surrounding steel and chain-link fences, the venue promises to be a fun, family-friendly place to chill while grubbing on burgers, sandwiches and small shared bites. There’s a plan to project movies at night, too. As with many independent food businesses that are located in unexpected places, the Backyard runs the risk of being overlooked (see: Black Star Pirate BBQ, the barbecue destination in nearby Point San Pablo that recently lost its lease). But the Backyard owner Emmet Kauffman, a San Francisco born-and-bred entrepreneur, is used to the grind and ready to embrace the challenge. KQED Food's @alan_chazaro talked with Emmet for his latest column, ¡Hella Hungry! — find the link in our bio. 🔗